Southport solicitor Richard Barnett has today reacted angrily to claims made about him and fellow lawyer Anthony Swift, which he claims are "deeply flawed".

Mr Barnett and Mr Swift have been accused by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority of misappropriating funds - allegations Mr Barnett says are wrong.

The pair were senior partners at Barnetts Solicitors, which went into administration in January.

Richard Barnett said: "The allegations are deeply flawed."

He is disappointed the SRA has published what he says are false allegations ahead of the tribunal taking place, when he will strongly defend himself against the claims.

Both men will attend hearings at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

A statement on the SRA’s website said that the regulatory body decided to prosecute Mr Barnett and Mr Swift because they: “Caused or or permitted the firm to accept and use monies from an investment fund in circumstances where it was improper to do so.”

Mr Barnett is also accused of providing false or misleading information to professional indemnity insurers, and giving false and/or misleading information and failed to cooperate with the SRA.

A statement on the SRA’s website adds that all the allegations above are subject to a hearing, before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.

Mr Barnett, who is from Southport, set up Barnetts in 1987 and oversaw its gradual expansion. The company went on to employ 130 staff and had 3,000 clients.